This old Swamp Cypress was developed from tube stock I purchased in 1981.  Such a long time ago... developed in my field beds over many years, transferred to a large training pot, and eventually into this bonsai pot.

It is difficult to explain the attachment I have to my old bonsai... and probably seems very odd to others.  Bonsai has become much much more than a 'hobby' to me now..... again, difficult to explain.

The 'up-side' to this is that my bonsai will eventually have a 'history', and with each bonsai I sell that history will become richer as, so far, all sales have gone to great homes.

NB.... still have some bonsai for sale

Finally looking like a true bonsai.  This old, hachi-uye, Black Pine developed a very strong 'second flush' last Summer resulting in up to five shoots from each candle cut.... producing many shoots with very small needle length.

Now, after needle thinning, bud selection and wiring, I am happy to call it a BONSAI.

Notice the 'unwilling worker' added just for scale.

NB.... still have some bonsai for sale

Two more old bonsai ready to go to their new home. !!

We have been delighted to have sold so many old bonsai to responsible and talented artists. 

Many bonsai have been sold from the gallery; and many more are being offered progressively, as they are prepared for sale.  For those interested in adding to their collections see what is on offer HERE.

 We took this pic at Shunka-en in 2016.  This Goyo-Matsu is about the oldest 'methuselah' I have seen.  It is, suprisingly, in a training box !!

Don't know if it is named.  If anyone can let me know if it is named ......please.  

There are many images of Kobayashi bonsai but I don't recall ever seeing this one before.  It is such an inspirational old bonsai with so many design lessons within it's form.

Impossible to 'take it all in' in a single visit to Shunka-en Bonsai Museum. So many high quality bonsai in the one place.  It was an absolute overload to the senses.

The hospitality shown by its owner, Kunio Kobayashi, ..... just as impressive and humbling. 

I was naive enough to think that I had some large Goyo Matsu..... then I saw these at Kato san's nursery in Omiya village.

Open to all Australian bonsai artists, the Bonsai Open is an annual premier “Australian” bonsai competition. To ensure exceptional bonsai are exhibited alongside the Central Coast Bonsai Club’s annual show, a significant prize pool is being offered:
1st Place $3,000  |  2nd Place $1,000  |  3rd Place $ 500  |  Best Australian native tree bonsai $ 500 + $200 Native yamadori voucher from “Tree Makers”
The competition will be judged by Tony Bebb (Qld), one of Australia’s top bonsai artists.   Contact the Central Coast Bonsai Society for further info.  Entries close 15-Jun-2019.

My entries:

This is an old image of the Australian Bonsai Gallery's contribution to a local arts exhibition.  We called it our 'Detached Forest', firstly in an attempt to offer something unique, and secondly to try to appeal to the general public (and to those who may not like bonsai all that much).  It was, to our surprise, a real success.!!!

Resukyū (レスキュー ) has been 're-worked' this Autumn. Needle plucked, bud select, and re-shape this White Pine is a real pleasure.

Second flush on this old AkaMatsu just starting to harden off. Will resume fertiliser programme soon. Looking forward to needle plucking and bud selection over the cooler months. Some wiring to refine the shape and to reduce and soften the crown also in the cooler months ahead.